The Body of Death We All Carry!
Hey Friends,
If you did not get a chance to read the blog yesterday it would help you to go there and start. This week we are going to build on the previous day’s blog. This topic is tantamount in each of our lives if we are to win the war raging in each one of us. Don’t miss this biblical illustration given by the Apostle Paul in Romans 7:24: “Wretched man that I am, who will set me free from this body of death?”
This image is gross but should be simple for every saint to see. In Roman times a murderer that was found guilty was condemned to the Body of Death. The victim of the murder was strapped to the back of the condemned. As the body started to decompose, swell, ooze, and rot, the DEATH would seep into the body of the murderer. This would cause a slow and painful death, as you could only imagine. Remember, the Romans were the same people that invented the cross.
Now imagine you, with a dead body strapped to your back. Gross, yes! But in the spiritual realm that is exactly what we have – every one of us. Our old nature is evil. “The heart is evil and desperately wicked.” This slow death of sin permeates, saturates, and dominates all of us until we turn to Jesus. Let me repeat, once you are saved the two natures war within you. If you would meditate on this it might answer some questions as to why you do some of the things you do.
Paul said, “the things he wanted to do, he did not and the things he did not want to do, he did.” Can you relate to this? We all can. The only way to victory is to open your eyes to the war and surrender to the Spirit of the Living God.
Step one is full disclosure. We all face this war. Sometimes I think thoughts that sicken me. Why? The flesh…
Think about it and how it affects you.
Pastor
P.S. Leaders, we seem to face even more battles than others. More to come tomorrow.





7 Comments
I think this vivid imagery does the best job in helping to remember the scripture. The drama a few weeks ago is still picture-fresh in my mind, and these types of images — the body of death — helps with a daily reminder that the flesh is working against God. I’m enjoying this series because of the challenge it presents.
Wow, your description of the Body of Death definitely got my attention! I agree with you that often things are credited to Satan that actually come from our sinful nature. It is up to us to be so in tune with the Scriptures and our relationship with Christ that we are able to distinguish who the real enemy is at any given moment. I have found that fasting is enormously powerful in putting the flesh to death, as well as reading the Word. Thank you for this poignant reminder of the war within us. I’m determined to win!!
Thanks Chris for enduring that 130 lb dummy. The visual of carrying that body on your back was so effective. I realized I would most likely be carrying several. Guess that would explain my neck and back hurting…You think??? Had to make a decision if I wanted to continue carrying all those folks around!
Thank you Pastor for the great drama and ‘body of death’ illustration. Saying “the Devil made me do it” is not just a funny saying or excuse to lighten the personal responsibility of my own actions. To me, saying ‘the devil made me do it” is exalting the power of satan over the power of the Holy Spirit given to me to resist the devil so that he flees from me. Satan has NO power over me except that I give it to him. The devil cannot make me do anything. As your message states, I choose life or death, blessing or curse, good or evil. If God himself gave me ‘free will’ and will not overrule free will, why should we believe that Satan has any more permission? Satah had no power of Job except that granted only by God.
Let us not fall in to blasphemy and exalt Satan with power he does not even possess.
I lived in Romans Chpt. 7 for yrs…
Recently joined Experiencing God Bible Study, served faithfully, attended faithfully, and saw Sacred Storm. God made me see Deut.30:19-20 that I had a choice to make about nicotene addiction.I choose life and thru prayers of friends ,I am free since Nov. 4,2009. God gets all the glory. Just like you said Sun. … I loved my Marlboro’s !I am so thankful esp. for prayers of people at FP.
His,
nancy
Dear Pastor Stephens,
I heard about the “Body of Death” from my Bible professor in Bible College years ago but I did not ask him about his sources on this truth.
What is there for me as a source to further research this? I would like to use this in a sermon, but I do not feel comfortable doing this unless I have a verifiable and solid resource. And since you have spoke well on this I would request your sources of research on this!
Thank you very much,
John Wesley Valnes
John, Please email me this request or I will forget it. It was a commentary not sure of the author.